New Power Supply?

Iconic

I have been given a Packard Bell IStart 1360 to look at by a relative.

Apparently they were having XP start up problems .....it asked for the original xp disc.......but it powered up ok.

When I got it and switched it on I heard a pop and since then there has been no response at all when the power button is pressed.

Can I assume the power supply needs replacing?

robmar0se

Probably, but not definately. To be sure I use one of these - http://www.amazon.co.uk/PIN-SATA-POWER-SUPPLY-TESTER/dp/B004K95FV6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1330953003&sr=8-3

To ensure it hasn't caused damage to other components, it is usually worth temporarily connecting a spare PSU (if you can get hold of one) to see if it boots okay.

Notmyrealname

Ah. It is old enough to be of an age where the capacitors on the motherboard near the CPU socket are leaking or have gone bang. The bang could have been a cap popping. Those capacitors being faulty would cause issues when running. Google images of leaking capacitors.

Until you open it up and look, you'll not know.

Iconic

Thanks for the replies. I have had a look for leaking capacitors and although I cannot be sure they seem to be ok.

I will try to get hold of a spare psu. The one that's in there at the moment is a FSP GROUP 250-60HEN (total output continuous shall not exceed 250watts). I have never replaced a PSU before.... what are the limitations on a replacement?

robmar0se

Easy to remove:

4 screws at the back, then a number of plugs inside - 4 pin molex push/pull plugs on dvd/hdd - newer systems have a differnt type of sata plugs but these are push/pull fit. Small 4 pin push/pull plug for floppy if you have one. Motherboard 20/24 pin plug with a squeeze plug, another square 4pin squeeze plug - high spec PCs can have a 6pin plug on the graphics but unlikely on a 250w psu.

There are variables in size (dimensions) but the standard is:
150 mm width, 86 mm height, and typically 140 mm depth, although the depth can vary from brand to brand.

If you have a 250w model, I'd probably go for a 400w +/- 50w model (voltage output is standard) - the wattage allows for redumdancy, plus PSUs do deteriorate over time.

You can buy a generic for around £20 with 12 months warranty, or buy branded, OCZ, corsair, akasa, etc for double.

Incidentally, when you remove the PSU, put your nose up to it you may smell burning which would confirm that it has "gone".

Dave_C_2

Can't resist an old joke look here

Dave

andy2004

robmar0se wrote: »

Probably, but not definately. To be sure I use one of these - http://www.amazon.co.uk/PIN-SATA-POWER-SUPPLY-TESTER/dp/B004K95FV6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1330953003&sr=8-3

To ensure it hasn't caused damage to other components, it is usually worth temporarily connecting a spare PSU (if you can get hold of one) to see if it boots okay.

i bought one of those power tester via ebay for 99p well worth buying to test a psu.
I also bought a new psu 650watts via ebay aswell for £22 if i remember correctly.
£16 for the psu and £6 for delivery. cheap considering.

also have a look at novatech as they do the same brand.

Thanks Dave_C that made me smile.

Iconic

robmar0se wrote: »

Easy to remove:

4 screws at the back, then a number of plugs inside - 4 pin molex push/pull plugs on dvd/hdd - newer systems have a differnt type of sata plugs but these are push/pull fit. Small 4 pin push/pull plug for floppy if you have one. Motherboard 20/24 pin plug with a squeeze plug, another square 4pin squeeze plug - high spec PCs can have a 6pin plug on the graphics but unlikely on a 250w psu.

There are variables in size (dimensions) but the standard is:
150 mm width, 86 mm height, and typically 140 mm depth, although the depth can vary from brand to brand.

If you have a 250w model, I'd probably go for a 400w +/- 50w model (voltage output is standard) - the wattage allows for redumdancy, plus PSUs do deteriorate over time.

You can buy a generic for around £20 with 12 months warranty, or buy branded, OCZ, corsair, akasa, etc for double.

Incidentally, when you remove the PSU, put your nose up to it you may smell burning which would confirm that it has "gone".

Many thanks for the advice. I think I would have no problem fitting the unit but I want to make sure I have the right one before I fit it.
From what you say I could get a 250w model but a 400w one would be better. I assume there is more to it than that......for instance the different motherboard pin plugs (20/24) you quote above.

robmar0se

Usually when you buy it will tell you what plugs it has (avoid any purchase that doesn't say what it has) - at a minimum standard new ones these days will have the basic plugs you need, the cheaper ones may not have sata plugs but will have the older type molex (for which one can buy adapter leads molex to sata if needed) - all should have the 20/24 motherboard plug

andy2004

I just looked up on my paypal to see where i got mine from and it was efly trading ltd via ebay, was £14.99 for the 650watt psu and £5.89 for delivery, ordered on a tuesday and arrive wednesday morning.

thought i'd have a look on ebay for you, this looks good http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/650-Watt-Quiet-PC-PSU-650Watt-ATX-3-years-extended-warranty-Available-/300665885042?pt=UK_Computing_PowerSupplies_EH&hash=item4601155172

£20.50,
Product Info:
650W ATX PC Power Supply Unit
Silent fan technology
24 & 20 Pin Ready
4 x Sata & PCI-E Included
Meets Intel v2.03 enhanced +12V
Over-voltage and current protection +3.3V;+5V;+12V
100% Burn in tested; short circuit protection
EMI Filter built in
Supports all AMD and Intel PC's
Dimensions: 150 x 86 x 140 (mm)
ROHS Compliant

PSU Ratings:
+3.3V = 22A
+5V = 34A
+12V = 36A
-12V = 0.5A
+5VSB = 2.0A

Connectors Included:
1 x 24 & 20 Pin Main Power
1 x 4 pins Main Power
3 x HDD/CD-ROM Power
1 x PCI-Express Power
1 x FDD Power
4 x Serial ATA Power

Iconic

Thanks andy2004 for the link to a psu.

A friend is lending me a psu so I will see if it works first. If it does I will buy the one you recommend.